This report presents the “Global ESG disclosure standards for investment products” developed by the CFA Institute to facilitate fair representation and full disclosure by investment managers in relation to how environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues are considered in an investment product’s objectives, investment process or stewardship activities.

This 2020 report presents the results from a survey that assesses whether a risk differential can be detected between green, non-green and brown financial assets (loans and bonds). Based on information obtained by 49 banks, it presents a snapshot of current practices among financial institutions in their asset allocation.

2020 brought record levels of interest and fund flows into sustainable funds in the US as investors became increasingly concerned about COVID-19, climate change and social issues. The record flows were followed with an immense increase in the sustainable fund universe and outperformance over conventional funds.

Based on interviews with 22 leading asset owners, this 2018 report explores the best-practices landscape for managing climate risks and opportunities. The report identifies barriers faced by industry leaders and presents a framework of ten building blocks for other asset owners developing and introducing climate strategies.

This bond investor report by ShareAction highlights the key findings from 22 interviews involving key financial actors based in Europe. The interviews explore their thoughts on the opportunities and responsibilities that exist for bond investors in relation to climate change and climate-related risks.

Are “green finance" and climate change gaining traction in the Asian financial sector? Asia Research and Engagement (ARE) reviewed the practices of 88 leading financial institutions across Asia-Pacific to find out. Growing momentum is discovered: 28% of banks and 30% of investors have incorporated climate change into their respective policies.

A two page read that reports the annual growth of the Responsible Investment Managed Funds market within Australia and New Zealand. It offers insight into the composition of this market and a short snapshot into the performance of overseas equity trusts.

Banks continue to finance the global plastics chain, despite the significant risks of lender liability from the impacts of plastic waste. This report highlights the lack of development of any due diligence systems, contingent loan criteria, or financing exclusions at the banks when it comes to the plastic packaging industry.

The Climate transparency report 2021 summarises the climate actions of G20 countries using the latest emissions data. It covers 100 indicators on decarbonisation, climate policies, finance, and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Providing country ratings, it identifies leaders and laggards in transition to a net zero-emission economy.

Addresses the concept of civic energy concerning the municipal ownership of energy systems in the UK and Germany by contrasting their banking systems to demonstrate how social and cultural values have shaped the civic energy sector. In turn, this demonstrates the importance of financial institutions in the low-carbon transition.

As the world’s second largest asset manager, Vanguard Group Inc. has the potential to become a climate action leader. Despite Vanguard’s commitment to the Net-Zero Asset Manager initiative, the report argues that Vanguard’s significant share in fossil fuel exposed companies demonstrates a passive attitude towards climate change.

This 2015 report is a meta-study of over 200 sources of research on ESG (academic studies, industry reports, newspaper articles and books). It finds a positive correlation between diligent ESG and economic performance – i.e., companies with robust sustainability practices demonstrate better operational and financial market performance.

Discusses the growth of Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry from 2014-2019. Finding significant growth in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during this period. The report provides a brief history and context of Australia’s LNG boom, explains technical aspects of the industry and outlines four factors accounting for GHG growth.

The 2020 published report by As You Sow investigates 50 corporations and ranks them based on their performance in leadership and ambition relating to sustainable packaging of their products, while also taking into account their contributions and support to increase recycling rates and engage in producer responsibility efforts.

The report highlights key findings from Schroder’s Global Investor Study. It provides an insight into global investor attitudes towards sustainable investing and the obstacles preventing widespread adoption of sustainable investing. The report emphasises the notion that sustainable investing is gaining momentum around the world.

Discusses the potential of digital financial services (DFS) to reduce poverty and promote economic growth. Analyses DFS role in financial inclusion within households and emerging markets and developing economies. Examines constraints of regulations and frameworks and provides case studies from countries that have enabled DFS in their economy.